Local resident lays flowers in tribute to mystery tot (Image: MEN)
Horrified residents living have told of their shock about the “heartbreaking and tragic” discovery.
The infant’s remains were found by a woman who had been walking her dog near Ashton’s Field in the Little Hulton area of Salford, Greater Manchester, around 12:30pm Wednesday by the M61 motorway.
Flowers and tributes have been left at the scene in memory of the child, who has so far only been identified as Baby A by Greater Manchester Police (GMP) – the baby’s identity, sex and ethnicity are yet to be determined.
A cuddly rabbit with a note saying “RIP Baby A” has now been placed near the site while another heartbreaking message taped to a candle read: “Rest in peace Baby A. You’re in our hearts.”
Little Hulton resident Sarah Shaw said it was a “desperate situation” and “so sad – I hope they find the person who’s had the child”.
Tributes laid for Baby A (Image: MEN)
Meanwhile the mother of an eight-week-old girl said the news had really affected both her and her partner, adding: “It broke our hearts when we found out.”
While one woman bringing flowers said: “It’s just tragic. It’s grim. I work in a nursery so it hits extra close to home.”
Forensic investigators continued to search the field on Thursday. Detectives hope a post-mortem examination, which could take up to two days, will also help reveal the gender, ethnicity and how long he or she had been in the field.
Ashton’s Field is a former colliery established in the latter half of the nineteenth century. Production of coal ceased in the 1960s, at which time the shafts were capped, and the site was eventually transferred to the Land Trust in 2007 for use by the local community.
On Wednesday, Chief Supt Neil Blackwood said his officers were following several lines of inquiry.
Flowers and teddies were laid for Baby A (Image: MEN)
He said: “At this stage, we are following several lines of enquiry, and we are working with local partner agencies to understand who this baby could be, how long they have been here, and how they have sadly died – we are now calling this baby, Baby A.
“Around about 12.30pm this afternoon, a member of the public who was out walking her dog has located what is the sad remains of Baby A.
“All of this is extremely sensitive, and this investigation needs to be handled with the utmost care it deserves, and it is going to take time.
“We know this news will devastated our communities, and while we do not have all the answers to these questions yet I want to reassure residents that we will do all we can to find out what has happened here.
“The most important thing right now to find answers for this baby, and I would urge anyone who has any information at all to get in touch with us.
“Even the most minor detail could be crucial to our investigation. If you’ve seen anyone in the area over the past few days – or know who the parents could be – please call us as soon as you can.
“As soon as we are in the position to confirm further details about the circumstances we will do so.”